Police Invesitgate Photo of Dog With Mouth Taped Shut

SOUTH DAYTONA, FL (WTXF)- Police in Florida say they are investigating the alleged abuse of a dog after a viral social media post sparked international outrage Friday and Saturday.

A photo posted to Facebook Friday morning appears to show a Labrador with its mouth duct taped shut, along with the caption "This is what happens when you don't shut up."

This is what happens when you dont shut up!!!

The photo has been shared on Facebook more than 217,000 times since it was posted.

In the comments of the photos friends condemned the alleged actions of the woman who posted the photo. She defended her actions, stating that she, "she did it for sixty seconds. It was time out and no more barking."

In the meantime, Police in South Daytona say they are investigating the photo, and say they have information to indicate that the dog is OK at this time.

However, officials wrote on Facebook that their investigation would have to wait, as it appeared the woman was out of town for the holiday when the picture was shared, and she had yet to return home.

South Daytona officials say they had been in contact with members of her family, and other state agencies in order to investigate the case.

Update on the disturbing animal Facebook posting. Police have determined that this person was out of state for the...

The city says police will be contacting the owner of the dog when she returns home as part of a full investigation.

In the meantime, city officials thanked everyone for their support and concerned, and alerted residents to their concern that emergency lines were tied up due to reports of the photos, possibly impacting other emergencies.

According to the Daily Mail, a police spokesperson said the department had received calls from 44 states, 3 provinces, and from as far away as Australia.

No charges have been filed at this time.